Turkey has condemned a resolution adopted by the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations branding the massacre of Armenians by Ottoman forces during World War One as genocide.

A statement posted on the Turkish Foreign Ministry's website April 11 said the Senate's decision harms bilateral relations between Ankara and Washington.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry said the Senate committee had acted outside its area of competence by adopting a "hastily and ineptly prepared" draft resolution.

The statement condemned "this attempt at political exploitation that distorts history and law and we condemn those who led this prejudiced initiative."

Armenia has welcomed the resolution with a statement issued by Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian.

“The adoption by the Senate Committee of Resolution 410 is an important step on the way to the restoration of historical truth and prevention of crimes against humanity,” said Nalbandian. He praised the senators who backed the measure for their “principled stance.”

Armenia claims Ottoman troops systematically killed some 1.5 million Armenians and deported many more from their traditional homeland.

Turkey counters that atrocities were committed by both sides and that Armenians killed many Turks also.

Based on reporting by Reuters, Trend.az, and RFE/RL's Armenian Service